Ingredients
Brussels Sprouts
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
Maple Dijon Glaze
- 1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 Tablespoon avocado or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
Add-ins
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- ½ cup pecan halves or pieces
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing
Instructions
- Prepare the glaze: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, avocado or olive oil, smoked paprika, fine sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper until fully combined to create the glaze.
- Coat the Brussels sprouts: Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the bowl and toss thoroughly with the glaze until each piece is evenly coated, ensuring maximum flavor coverage.
- Arrange in air fryer basket: Using kitchen tongs, place the coated Brussels sprouts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which helps achieve crispiness. Reserve any leftover maple glaze.
- Air fry initial cooking: Cook the Brussels sprouts at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. This initial fry softens the sprouts while starting to crisp the exterior.
- Add garlic, pecans, and leftover glaze: After 10 minutes, open the air fryer and evenly sprinkle the chopped garlic and pecan halves over the sprouts. Drizzle the reserved maple mustard glaze on top for extra flavor and moisture.
- Air fry to finish: Continue air frying the mixture for an additional 5 minutes, until the garlic is golden and the Brussels sprouts are crispy on the edges.
- Serve: Carefully remove the Brussels sprouts from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Notes
- For best results, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed to ensure even crisping.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on your preferred spice level or omit it entirely for a milder dish.
- Pecan halves can be substituted with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- Use fresh garlic for a stronger taste; roasted garlic can be used for a milder, sweeter note.
- This recipe can be doubled but cook in batches to maintain crispy texture.
- Leftover Brussels sprouts can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian